news 2002 // news 2001 // news 2000

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CALISTA INSTYLE
There are photos of Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal) wearing Christina Perrin at the Emmy Awards and after party shots in the January 2002 edition of InStyle Magazine. Vanilla Sky's Penelope Cruz graces the cover.


INTERVIEW WITH JOSH GROBAN
Today on the MadBlast streaming entertainment show of love we talk with the outstandingly gifted singer Josh Groban about his brand new self-titled album.

Find out why Josh is the talk on the town, his experiences working Celine Dion, Charlotte Church, The Corrs, Barbra Streisdan, and legendary producer
David Foster. We'll also find out how he ended up on Ally McBeal and much more.
Click here to listen to the interview
http://www.madblast.com/view.cfm?display=748
You can order Josh Groban's new CD Here!

JOE SOMEBODY
Look for 'Joe Somebody' in theaters now! co-starring Greg Germann (Richard Fish, Ally McBeal). The comedy stars Tim Allen (Home Improvement) and Julie Bowen (Ed).


GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD NOMINATIONS
Best Television Series- Musical or Comedy

a. Ally McBeal
b. Frasier
c. Friends
d. Sex And The City
e. Will & Grace

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series- Musical or Comedy

a. Calista Flockhart, Ally McBeal
b. Jane Kaczmarek, Malcolm In The Middle
c. Heather Locklear, Spin City
d. Debra Messing, Will & Grace
e. Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the City

The Golden Globes will be broadcast at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 20 on NBC.


'ALLY' GUEST STAR ROY BROCKSMITH DIES

Roy Brocksmith, a familiar character actor who also staged theater works in his own home, died Sunday (Dec. 16) from complications of diabetes. He was 56. Brocksmith founded the California Cottage Theatre out of his home in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley in 1987. He and another actor were looking to stage a monologue called "A Cold Day in Hell" but found the cost of renting an Equity-waiver theater to be prohibitive. They set up shop in Brocksmith's living room instead, and the "theater" staged seven productions over the following years. "Over 8,000 people have been in our house -- and never was anything stolen,"
Brocksmith's widow, Adele, tells the Los Angeles Times. "We had such a wonderful time doing it." Brocksmith played school Principal Michael Oslo on
the CBS series "Picket Fences." The show's creator, David E. Kelley, had worked with him before on "L.A. Law" and later cast the actor in guest roles on "Ally McBeal." He also appeared on "Seinfeld" and "Murder One" and in movies "Total Recall," "Arachnophobia" and "The Road to Wellville," among numerous others.


SONG MALCOLM SANG

Josh Groban (Malcolm for last season's prom episode) and Monday's Christmas Episode sang the song "To Where You Are" off his new album on last nights
show. For some background on Josh click here You can order Josh Groban's new CD Here!

// December 3, 2001 //

- 12.11 CHAT JOSH GROBAN AND CALISTA FLOCKHART CHAT: Josh Groban and Calista Flockhart will be doing a LIVE online chat on 12/11 - the time of the chat has been set for 6PM PST on Allymcbeal.com

// November 7.2001 //

- Congratulations to Peter MacNichol (John Cage) who took home the trophy for 'Best Supporting Actor in A Comedy Series' last night at the Emmy Awards.
In other Emmy news Calista lost out to Patricia Heaton of "Everybody Loves Raymond" in the category 'Best Actress in A Comedy Series'.

- November 09, Courtney Thorne-Smith (ex-Georgia, Ally McBeal) is a guest on The Tonight Show. (NBC)

- A set of raunchy pictures of Ally McBeal star Portia De Rossi and a mystery woman are set to blow the lid on the actress' love life. Australia's New Idea magazine has won a bidding war for the exclusive national rights to pictures of de Rossi getting up close and personal with a female friend. People who have seen the shots say the photos are "hot" and could shed new light on the Ally McBeal star, formerly known as Mandy Rogers.

- Kind-hearted Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart gave a woman a $100 reward
after they mixed up their shopping. The waif-like beauty was in Los Angeles' POTTERY BARN with baby son LIAM when she bumped into another young mother with exactly the same diaper bag. After posing for pictures with Flockhart, the two women accidentally switched. The actress had left her keys and wallet in the bag, but the other woman returned the contents. And Flockhart insisted in giving the honest mother a cash reward for the good deed.

- Actress Calista Flockhart has just returned from a three month vacation to Hawaii and has never felt better. It was the first holiday the skinny ALLY MCBEAL star has taken since she accepted her TV role four years ago.
She now admits the pressure of fame was too much for her to handle, she says, "In the beginning of Ally I was lonely and I didn't understand why. I don't know if my experience was unique but it might have been a little unprecedented.
"I was really hounded for a couple of years and it happened really fast. I think it was overwhelming and a bit frightening." After sunning herself in Hawaii over the summer she says she's finally coming to terms with her fame, she says, "I actually think that this vacation that I just took, the time off and the sleep and all of that, really helped me to concentrate on other parts of my life.
"All the stories in the press had such a tabloidian feel to it. It's all about dirty laundry and it's uninteresting. I understand the agenda. "It's about ratings and money. It has nothing to do with people."

// November 1, 2001 //

CALISTA TO PRESENT AN AWARDS AT THE EMMYS
Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal) is once again scheduled to be an Emmypresenter. The awards are set to take place November 4th on CBS.


NEW JOSH GROBAN CD (THE PROM GUY)
Remember last season's final episode? Well Malcolm who sang the song "You'reStill You" is putting out his self title debut CD on November 20. You can
order Josh Groban's new album now.  Just visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RGNI/allymcbealforeve/


NEW ALLY HUNK PLAYING THE FIELD
Note to Ally McBeal's man-hungry Elaine (Jane Krakowski): There's a new hunk in town - and he's available. Josh Hopkins joins the cast of the Fox dramedy
tonight during the show's fifth season premiere playing lawyer Raymond Milbury. But Elaine better be willing to share: Hopkins tells TV Guide
Online that he doesn't want to see his alter ego settling down with any one of Cage and Fish's comely counselors.
"I want to be dating all of them at the same time and not have any of them know it," winks the actor, whose credits include playing Microsoft
co-founder Paul Allen in the TNT film Pirates of Silicon Valley and a recurring role on the WB's Jack & Jill. "You can't really go wrong. They're all beautiful and talented, so just point me in a direction."
Hopkins will have some competition in the romance department from X-Men hottie James Marsden, who also arrives on the scene tonight as a new hotshot
lawyer. (Julianne Nicholson and Regina Hall round out the slate of new Ally regulars.) All matters of love and sex aside, does the son of former U.S. Representative Larry Hopkins feel any pressure to maintain the Emmy-winning show's creative and ratings resurgence from last season?
"I absolutely don't feel any pressure," he insists. "There's pressure put on yourself each time you start a new character, [but] as far as pressure to
keep a show's momentum [going], I don't feel it rests on one of us or me personally.
"I'm just really excited to start to say [Ally creator] David E. Kelley's
words and to work with a great ensemble cast," he adds. "I'm really excited
more so than feeling any kind of pressure."


ANNE DOES INTERVIEW WITH GAY MAGAZINE
ANNE HECHE bravely gave the gay mag The Advocate a comprehensive, exclusive cover-girl interview at her own peril. (Gays aren't crazy about the actress
since she left Ellen DeGeneres, then got married and pregnant. They feel she deserted them or something.) Refusing to categorize herself as either gay or straight, Anne gave as good as she was asked. She says she has just been following her heart.
But in the end, the actress-author of "Call Me Crazy" lost her cool when asked sex questions about hubby Coley Laffoon. Anne retorted that it was
none of the magazine's business to ask such a question.
She stated that she considered herself "a gay activist" and that she'd given them "complete and forthright honesty, love, compassion, support for you,
for your magazine, for the gay community. I stand by every single thing I have ever said in support and love for this community, and that is why I did
this article. I expect respect back. This is an article about me. I put myself on the line. That is my choice. My choice."


DOWNEY'S ALLY COHORT PROMOTED
When Ally McBeal kicks off its fifth season on Monday (9 pm/ET on Fox), Regina Hall's legal eagle Corretta Lipp will be sans her trusted associate, Robert Downey Jr.'s Larry Paul. "It's a whole new ballpark for ol' Corretta," admits the actress, now a series regular. "She's got a new [job at Cage and Fish] and a new attitude."

Hall says that she hasn't spoken to Downey since he abruptly exited the Emmy-winning dramedy last spring following his drug-related arrest. "It was basically a professional relationship," she concedes. "He's in my prayers for a continued recovery... [He'll] definitely be missed."

Downey isn't the only Ally castmember MIA this season: Taye Diggs, James LeGros and Lisa Nicole Carson all have left, and Lucy Liu will exit after a
handful of episodes. Still, Hall remains optimistic that the injection of some new blood - James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson and Josh Hopkins will b joining Hall at the firm - will keep the momentum going. "There are a lot of changes, and in some ways it's a little bit
intimidating," she confesses. "Obviously, the show has a following, so you hope that that following will be receptive to the new characters and the
changes that are subsequently gonna have to happen. But I think we're gonna handle it." Incidentally, Hall - best known for her film work (Love & Basketball, The
Best Man and both Scary Movies) - was reluctant to commit herself to a full-time TV gig. "I'd be lying if I said I [wasn't], but I balance that with what the show had to offer," explains the rising star, whose Ally contract is for two years. "So much of it is about the writing, and I felt like I wouldn't get bored - and that's one of the things I always hate to do: get bored. Also, at this point, there still is a lot for me to learn."

On the top of her list? Finding out who Corretta is going to be paired with romantically. One thing Hall's certain of: With Diggs gone, she winks, "there's gonna have to be some interracial love."


7TH CALIFORNIA ON LOCATION AWARDS
The California Film Commission and its 57 FLICS (Film Liaisons in California, Statewide) proudly announce the winners of this year's California On Location Awards. Various industry leaders, including California State Senator Sheila Kuehl, presented the awards to location professionals and filmmakers at a ceremony held at the Castaways in Burbank on Sunday, October 21. Winners included the Production Company of the Year for Television: David E. Kelley Productions - "Ally McBeal" and "Boston Public"


CALISTA PILES ON THE POUNDS
Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart has silenced the critics who said she way too skinny - by piling on the pounds and showing off a curvy new figure. TV bosses had become concerned when the wafer-thin star collapsed on the set of the hit TV series two years ago.
But friends say that her relationship with LARRY SANDERS star GARRY SHANDLING and being mum to 10-month-old son LIAM has settled her down.
A friend of the sexy actress said, "Calista is a new woman - physically and mentally."

// October the 24, 2001 //

- Wanna get Anne Heche all riled up? Ask her about her husband's sexuality. In an interview with the gay and lesbian mag The Advocate, Ellen DeGeneres's ex went ballistic when the reporter inquired whether her new groom, Coley Laffoon, ever had a same-sex experience. After calling the question "completely out of line," Heche nearly stormed off in a huff. "I'm finished with this conversation," she scowled. "You have got to be kidding me, after everything I have given [your magazine], you are now asking me about my husband's sexuality? This is flooring to me... This is an article about me." The mom-to-be also threw a fit when the interviewer asked whether it would be difficult for her if her child grew up to be gay or lesbian. "Hasn't anybody heard anything I've said? Of course not. My child is free to love who they want to love. Amazing to think that would even be asked." All together now: Simmer down, Celestia! Meanwhile, here's something else that probably won't sit well with the eccentric actress-author: USA Today reports that all of the major networks have passed on her Warner Bros. TV sitcom vehicle, and the project now appears dead.

- Further proof that movie stars in search of quality roles are turning to TV in increasing numbers: James Marsden — who played visor-wearing mutant Cyclops in the box-office smash X-Men — joins the cast of Fox's Ally McBeal on Oct. 29 when the show kicks off its fifth season.   For his part, Marsden sees little difference between the two mediums. "I've always been a big fan of good work, and I don't think it needs to be separated by television and film," he tells TV Guide Online. "And [Ally creator] David E. Kelley was [someone] that I've always really wanted to work with, because as an actor, you want good dialogue... it helps you shine.   "I still have every intention of maintaining a film career as well," adds the 28-year-old actor, who has an eight-month-old son with his wife, former Days of Our Lives star Lisa Linde. "So, hopefully I'll be able to balance the two."   Well, Kelley has never been one to hold his castmembers back from pursuing extracurricular activities — Robert Downey Jr. being an obvious exception. "[He] knows that it can be helpful to the show as well," he says. "Instead of being threatened by an actor going off and doing other movies, [he realizes that] it's great press for the show. He welcomes that."   Marsden already has one outside project lined up: He will slip back behind those dark shades for the upcoming X-Men sequel (due in 2002). But even if the follow-up is as big a hit as the original, the onetime Party of Five guest star concedes that he'll likely be better known for his new TV gig than for Cyclops. "A lot more people watch the show than go see the movies," he points out. "And people will be able to see my eyes now."

// October the 19th, 2001 //

- Two David E. Kelley-produced shows — Ally McBeal and The Practice — are planning storylines inspired by the Sept. 11 attacks, USA Today reports. Ally's episode a Christmas-themed outing slated to air in December — revolves around a town official who wants to block a holiday parade, arguing it's not appropriate to celebrate after a fictional tragedy claimed several local firemen. On The Practice, the law firm represents an Arab-American who claims he's being unfairly detained as a witness in a terrorist act. The episode will air later this fall.

// October the 8th, 2001//

- LUCY LIU has officially recorded her final episode of ALLY McBEAL - but she didn't realize until it was over. The actress has decided against renewing her contract on the hit legal comedy, but her final day on the set wasn't as ceremonious as she'd imagined. She says, "It was really sad, we didn't finish until really late, 11 or 11.30pm, I didn't even realize it was my last shot until the director shouted out that it was, and everyone stood up and clapped and I said goodbye to everybody."

-Jami Gertz, who garnered an Emmy nominnation for her four-episode stint last season on Ally McBeal, will reprise her role for an episode this season asan old law school classmate of Ally's,


- When Chubby Checker was asked recentlly to guest on "Ally McBeal," he thought he was being recognized for his contributions to popular music. His elation
turned to frustration, however, when a character on the show read the line,"Gee, I thought Chubby Checker was dead." "That was it for me," Checker said Tuesday from Boston, where he wasperforming. "I wanted to make sure everyone knows I'm not dead."Checker, who turned 60 on Wednesday, may have gone a little overboard. Hec ertainly seems to have some, er, twisted ideas. He bought a full-page ad inBillboard magazine declaring himself the most important figure in the
history of rock and roll. He also asked the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame andMuseum in Cleveland to erect a statue of him in their courtyard because he
invented "dancing apart to the beat," a concept he describes as "the wheels that rock rolls on."


- Tuesday October 16, on The Late, Latee Show with Craig Kilbourn: actress Courtney Thorne-Smith.


- Tuesday, October 9, on The View: A doouble dose of "Hot Topics"; actor GilBellows (The Agency); Kelci Stringer, wife of the late Korey Stringer(lineman for the Minnesota Vikings) shares her story of grief and glory in"Star's Heart to Heart."


- While attending the Indpendent Featurre Project's Gotham Awards in New York, Quentin Tarantino confirmed to Fox News' Roger Friedman that "Kill Bill,"
his first picture since 1997's "Jackie Brown," is nearing production with Warren Beatty in the title role and Uma Thurman, who was on-hand at the event to receive the Actor Award. Tarantino also revealed that Lucy Liu and Michael Madsen will join the cast of the revenge-themed neo-noir, though deals haven't been finalized yet.
"I finished the script in August," said Tarantino. "Now we're in pre-production, waiting for Uma to have her baby. We'll start next spring."
Once filming on "Kill Bill" is complete, Tarantino will start shooting "Inglorious Youth," a guys-on-a-mission World War II movie. "We'll be editing one and filming the other," he explained. That means Tarantino will likely have two movies opening back-to-back in 2003.


- CALISTA FLOCKHART resents being unablle to enjoy the simple joys ofmotherhood because of her fame.
The ALLY McBEAL star can't even take her adopted baby son LIAM for a walk in the park without being chased by photographers.
She says, "It's an invasion of privacy and I've been frightened. People have got out of their cars and chased me down the street. And it's very scary when I'm with the baby.

"It really disturbs me when people try to get close-ups of Liam. But what can you do? I just do the best I can to pretend it isn't happening and try not to let them change my plans or my life."

//October 3d, 2001 //

Rocker and sometime-actor Jon Bon Jovi will join the Ally McBeal (news - Y!TV) cast for nine episodes this season. He will start shooting in early
November and his episodes will begin airing in January 2002.Ally McBeal executive producer and creator David E. Kelley announced the
casting Monday (October 1) and said, "I'm excited that Jon has decided tojoin our cast this year. We have been trying to bring him on board for some
time, and we're finally able to make it work out for everyone. We arethrilled that Jon has chosen Ally McBeal as his episodic television debut."
Bon Jovi said, "I know a little about acting and a lot about love. This isan exciting challenge for me, I'm looking forward to working with Calista
Flockhart and the entire cast. And I'm grateful that David Kelley has faithin my contributing to the show."
Specifics about Bon Jovi's character have yet to be announced. Bon Jovi haspreviously appeared on the small screen in guests spots on Sex And The City
and Unsolved Mysteries. His feature film credits include Pay It Forward,U-571, and Homegrown.


COURTNEY ON REGIS
Wednesday October 3, Live with Regis & Kelly will feature guests Courtney
Thorne-Smith. Courtney will be there to promote her new sitcom.


COURTNEY ON CONAN
Tuesday October 2, NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien will feature guests
Ethan Hawke, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Nick Lowe. Courtney will be there to
promote her new sitcom.


ELTON JOHN TO SING FOR 'ALLY'
The one and only Rocket Man will be paying a guest visit to FOX's "Ally McBeal" this fall. Elton John will appear on the series Nov. 19, stopping in
to sing a song at the bar where the eccentric group of lawyers frequent. "Ever since I was young I've been a fan of Elton John's and I'm thrilled to
have him on the show," says series creator and executive producer David E.Kelley. John appears in the episode called "I Want Love," along with actress
Jacqueline Bisset. Bisset will play the mother of Jenny (played by Julianne Nicholson, "The Others"), who hires the law firm to represent her in a
wrongful termination suit. Ally (Calista Flockhart) and new Cage & Fish lawyer Glenn (James Marsden) take the case, leading Ally to ponder her own
love live.

The world-famous rock star will perform elements from three songs: the new releases "Wasteland" and "I Want Love" as well as his classic hit "Saturday
Night's Alright for Fighting." "Ally McBeal" returns for its fifth season premiere on Monday, Oct. 29 at 9
p.m.


HECHE SITCOM GOES TO CBS -- WITHOUT HECHE
It seems nothing is very simple when Anne Heche is involved. Just ask WarnerBros. Television.
The studio was making the network rounds with a comedy starring Heche and created by writers Rob Greenberg ("Frasier") and Les Firestein ("The Drew
Carey Show"), according to Variety. NBC expressed interest but wouldn't make a full commitment, so Warner Bros., which has a deal with the
actress/author/mother-to-be, went elsewhere. Heche later decided she didn't want to be part of the Greenberg-Firestein
series. The studio then went calling to CBS, which, because it has a sitcom starring Heche's ex-partner Ellen DeGeneres, wasn't interested in developing
a show starring Heche. With the actress no longer attached to the project, however, CBS bought the script and is developing the series.

Which leaves Warner Bros. back where it started. The studio is now talking to several other writers, with the hope of finding a project for Heche.


EMMYS PUSHED TO OCTOBER

The new date for the 53rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards is Oct. 7 - three weeks after it was originally sscheduled to take place on Sept. 16. Execs at
the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences felt America needed the extra time to grieve in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks.

// September the 27th, 2001 //

- Created the Official CALISTA FLOCKHART FANLISTING. Come and join it, you can finally prove that you're a big fan.

// September the 20th, 2001//

- AMERICA: A TRIBUTE TO HEROES a two-hour live, commercial-free, simulcast to raise funds for a long-term relief effort for Americans who have directly suffered from last week's terrorist attacks, will air Friday, September 21, 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Eastern/Pacific), 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Central) and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Mountain). It will also be webcast live on the internet at http://www.tributetoheroes.org.

Stars from across the worlds of film, music and television have generously volunteered their time and talents in this historic fundraising event. Celine Dion, Enrique Iglesias, Limp Bizkit, Sting and U2 are the latest celebrities to join the talent roster, which includes the previously announced (in alphabetical order): Bon Jovi, Amy Brenneman, Mariah Carey, Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Sheryl Crow, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, The Dixie Chicks, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Calista Flockhart, Dennis Franz, Kelsey Grammer, Tom Hanks, Faith Hill, Wyclef Jean, Billy Joel, Jane Kaczmarek, Alicia Keys, Willie Nelson, Conan O'Brien, Tom Petty, Ray Romano, Julia Roberts, Paul Simon, Will Smith, Jimmy Smits, Bruce Springsteen, Sela Ward, Robin Williams, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.

// September 15, 2001 //

- I created a clique supporting Americans after the tragedy of NY and Washington. Please join it by clicking on the banner below:

September 10, 2001 //

- 2001 TECH EMMY WINNERS   Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Bernadette Peters, "Ally McBeal" FOX
Jami Gertz, "Ally McBeal" FOX
Jean Smart, "Frasier", NBC- Winner
Susan Sarandon, "Friends", NBC
Cloris Leachman, "Malcolm in the Middle", FOX   Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series
Ally McBeal, FOX- Winner
Ed, NBC
Frasier, NBC
Sex & The City, HBO
Will & Grace, NBC   Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series
Ally McBeal, FOX
JAG, CBS
Law & Order, NBC
The Practice, ABC
The West Wing, NBC - Winner
The X-Files, FOX   The regular Emmy Awards air on CBS September 16th.

-  DOWNEY TIME
ROBERT Downey Jr. is managing to keep busy since he was booted from "Ally McBeal" and several movies after his latest drug bust. Downey just optioned the rights to Dito Montiel's book, "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints," about Montiel's journey to New York to start a band. Meanwhile, Downey's rep assures us that despite press reports, his client has not been in the Malibu rehab center Promises for "over 10 years!" Downey has in fact checked into another rehab center in the Los Angeles area.  
JULIE MORAN WITH LUCY LIU ON HER CANCER SCARE
"I was completely terrified," Lucy Liu told me. She was only 23 years old, brand new to Los Angeles and alone when a doctor said to her four of the most terrifying words a woman can hear, "You have breast cancer." "The first thing that went through my mind was to get it out immediately," she said. Within two days, Lucy was laying on an operating table having a lump in her breast removed. It was only after the surgery that she found out the mass was benign.   That frightening experience was ten years ago and now Lucy has decided to speak out to help other women. At the time, Lucy told me, she didn't know to get a second opinion or ask about an ultrasound or mammogram. As spokesperson for Lee's National Denim Day, which supports early detection and research, she hopes to educate all women about the options available to them.   Amazingly, Lucy doesn't look at the cancer scare as a negative experience. Instead she learned from it. "I think anything can be turned into a cathartic experience," she explained, "(It) taught me so much about myself and it has caused me to really think about things before I do them." And she said, "If I can help one woman navigate these potentially dangerous waters … then this campaign will be a success."  

- WALTERS CRAZY ABOUT HECHE BIO
BARBARA WALTERS hits the ground running next Wednesday. First show on the, pardon the phrase, virgin outing in the new time slot where "20/20" will now air instead of its forever always Fridays, where it forever always won its time period.   It's Anne Heche's interview on her soon-due bio. Knowing this has the regulation my-parents-abused-me-as-a-child junk, I asked why this guest? Who'll rush to the TV to watch Anne Heche? What's so great about Heche's memoir, other than her 10-minute Ellen DeGeneres affair?   "This is one of the most appalling, terrifying, fantastic stories you'll ever read," said Barbara.   "Ellen DeGeneres is only a tiny portion of it. The title, 'Call Me Crazy' sounds like a funny, daffy tale, right? Wrong. Anne truly believes that she was two people. That she's been insane all her life. That she only came together exactly one year ago this month, when she was found wandering in Fresno, out of her head, supposedly babbling about how she has to board a space ship."   So she got healthy just in time to get a book advance, just in time to get a TV show, just in time to do this sit-down with you, just in time to dump Ellen and find a guy to marry?   Barbara ignored me, like I'm not too bright. "She was insane, and nobody knew it. How she found her sanity is what she tells on the show. She's now engaged, getting married, grateful to be alive, and she wrote this book all herself. And says things in it about her life and family and what she survived that are truly horrible."   You believe her?   "Absolutely."   You like her?   "Absolutely. I first met her with Ellen and sort of liked her. And when I got this manuscript, I thought it would be another usual tell-all, telling mostly about Ellen. No!"   She also tell about her once-upon-a-love affair with Steve Martin?"   "Listen, just tune in Sept. 5."   ABC has committed big money, big ads and a big push to this show. The interview will run 20 minutes. Barbara's spending her Labor Day weekend cutting, trimming and manicuring it. And priming for promo shots on ""Live with Regis & Kelly," "Larry King Live," "Good Morning America."   Anne Heche: Call Me Crazy
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/074321689X/allymcbealforeve/

// August 30, 2001 //

- LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Martin Sheen, Calista Flockhart and Jessica Alba have ensured they will make it to the podium at this year's Emmys -- one way or another. The stars of, reespectively, "The West Wing," "Ally McBeal," and "Dark Angel" have been added to the list of presenters at the "53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards." The trio join a roster of presenters that includes James Gandolfini, Edie Falco and Lorraine Bracco of "The Sopranos"; Marg Helgenberger and William Petersen of "CSI" ; "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer; and "Once and Again's" Sela Ward. Sheen and Flockhart are nominees as well -- Sheen for lead actor in a drama and Flockhart for lead actress in a comedy. The Emmys will air at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 16, on CBS. Ellen DeGeneres is handling the hosting duties.

- THE AGENCY starring Gil Bellows There is a new mailing list to discuss CBS's upcoming series, The Agency, which goes inside the doors of the Central Intelligence Agency.   The show stars Gil Bellows, and will air this fall at 10 pm on Thursday nights. Produced by Wolfgang Petersen (of "The Perfect Storm" and "Air Force One" fame) and Shaun Cassidy (former Hardy Boy!), the show also stars Andrea Roth, Will Patton, Ronny Cox, Paige Turco, and Rocky Carroll.   Former E.R.star Gloria Rueben has also signed on to guest star on 6 episodes.  Any info and discussion is welcome. To sign up email  AgencyCBS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AgencyCBS

- Lisa Nicole Carson is about to go from having two high-profile acting gigs to none. According to the new US Weekly, the 32-year-old actress — who was recently taken off contract at Ally McBeal — will be discharged from ER this season when her character dies in a car crash. Producers of the medical drama were reportedly fed up with Carson's erratic behavior.

// August 25, 2001 //

LUCY LIU'S BREAST CANCER SCARE WENN--Ally McBeal star Lucy Liu has been transformed from a complacent young woman to a caring crusader - after a shocking brush with cancer. The Charlie Angels actress had a big scare when she discovered a lump in her breast. And although she found the lump not to be cancerous, the then 23-year-old beauty had a chilling wake-up call, and realised how lucky she was. A friend says, "It scared the living daylights out of Lucy. It's always on her mind. She goes for frequent check ups and lives with the fear that the next lump will be cancerous. "Her cancer drama actually changed her life for the better by making her appreciate every waking moment. "She's been dedicated to helping others ever since." Liu is now the spokeswoman for the Lee Company's National Denim Day out later this year.

HECHE WILL STAR IN WB TV SERIES LOS ANGELES---(The Hollywood Reporter) --- Anne Heche will make her debut as the star of her own television series for Warner Bros. Television. Sources said Heche is finalizing a one-year talent deal with the studio to topline a WBTV series project targeted for fall 2002. The pact is valued in the $1 million range. Heche wants to do a comedy, but it hasn't been determined yet whether she will do a half-hour or a one-hour show, sources said. Heche conceived the idea of doing a television series following her experience on David E. Kelley's dramedy for Fox "Ally McBeal (news - Y! TV)," in which she did a multi-episode guest arc last season. After a long round of meetings with studios and networks executives, Heche last week narrowed her choice of a TV home to WBTV, Studios USA and 20th Century Fox TV (HR 7/3). Heche began her screen career with a role on the NBC daytime drama "Another World." Her TV credits also include HBO's "If These Walls Could Walk," in which she co-starred, and "If These Walls Could Talk 2," in which she wrote and directed a segment starring Sharon Stone and Ellen DeGeneres. On the feature side, Heche's credits include "Wag the Dog," "Six Days Seven Nights," "Psycho" and "Donnie Brasco." She will next be seen in "Prozac Nation." Heche, who is repped by WMA and manager Lauren Lloyd, is working on New Line Cinema's "John Q," in which she stars opposite Denzel Washington.

DOWNEY HAS A PRAYER --Troubled actor Robert Downey Jr., whoo's been recovering from chemical dependency at Promises Malibu rehab center in California, gives thanks on the roof of a car yesterday as his parents look on.

VONDA SHEPARD FALLS VICTIM TO ALLY SLIMMING CURSE Vonda Shepard has fallen victim to the Ally McBeal slimming curse - her co-stars are all so skinny they make her feel constantly paranoid about her weight. Shepherd, who has been with the show since the beginning, says working on Ally, famed for its dangerously thin looking actresses, has driven her into a state of constant obsession about her weight. Shepherd says, "I say I'm slender and normal - and I am - but when I walk down that red carpet with all those women at the Emmys, I feel enormous. "I'm standing next to the most beautiful in-shape women on the planet, I just can't hold up against that. "So I feel constantly under pressure. Being on Ally McBeal, of course there's pressure. It's something I'm obsessed with. It's something that's on my mind at some point every day. Every day of my life. I think about it a lot, and it drives me crazy." But singer Shepherd, who landed her slot on the show when her pal MICHELLE PFEIFFER introduced her to her husband, Ally creator DAVID E KELLEY, says, contrary to reports, the show's super-thin star CALISTA FLOCKHART isn't anorexic. Shepherd says, "She eats, she loves food. She's just one of those naturally skinny people. She eats like you can't believe, and she can't gain weight."

DOWNEY TO ATTEND EMMYS ----Considering the year he's had, it wouldn't have been at all surprising if Emmy-nominated actor Robert Downey Jr. ("Ally McBeal") had decided to skip the awards ceremony next month. However, according to the actor's publicist, Alan Nierob, he'll be there.

LIU ON SEX & THE CITY ---- Look for Lucy Liu (Ally McBeal's Ling Woo) on an upcoming episode of HBO's 'Sex & The City'. Liu's character has a few words in a restaurant with Samantha Jones who is played by actress Kim Catrall.

ROBERT'S BACK AT WORK --- Robert Downey Jr. was back at work,, in front of the cameras. On Tuesday, he filmed a music video for the song ``I Want Love.'' It's the first single from Elton John's CD of all-new material, ``Songs From the West Coast'' (Universal), written by Elton and longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. The album will be on the stands Oct. 2. The airdate of the single to be set; it was shot at the Greystone Manor in Beverly Hills, with Sam Taylor-Wood directing Downey as he lip-synchs to Elton's singing most appropriate lyrics. Downey's agent, International Creative Management's Ed Limato, has been receiving several important offers for Downey to return to film and TV roles. Downey, Emmy-nominated as a supporting actor in a comedy in ``Ally McBeal,'' will attend the Sept. 16 awards ceremony in Pasadena.

// August 3, 2001 //

Julianne Nicholson's new character will be named Jenny Shaw and she describes her character as Ally in the first season. She'll be a new lawyer at the firm. James Marsden's new character will named Glen Foye and will also be a new lawyer at the firm and possible Ally love interest.

Had Robert Downey Jr. not gotten arrested last April on drug charges, he and Calista Flockart would have walked down the aisle on the season finale of Ally McBeal. "I don't know that [Larry and Ally] were actually going to get married, but there was going to be a ceremony and then something was going to happen," former Ally star Gil Bellows tells TV Guide Online. Downey's arrest, however, forced series creator David E. Kelley to pen a hasty exit for the troubled thesp. Also in the original script, Bellows's deceased Billy character was to give Flockhart's Ally "counsel" prior to the nuptials. Responds a show rep: "We only comment on the final scripts that are shot."

Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu are in negotiations to topline Franchise Pictures' action film "Ecks vs. Sever," which will mark the North American feature directorial debut of Thai filmmaker Kaos. The project will begin shooting in the fall. The project reteams Banderas and Liu, both of whom starred in Touchstone Pictures' 1999 "Play It to the Bone" for director Ron Shelton. Chris Lee ("Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within") is producing the project, which is described as "Bad Boys" meets "The Professional." Written by Alan McElroy ("Spawn"), "Ecks vs. Sever" is the story of two Terminator-like undercover agents named Ecks (Banderas) and Sever (Liu) who think they are competitors but find that they have a common enemy. Chris Lee Prods. vp Greg Frankovich brought the script to the company, where it was developed in-house before being set up at Franchise with Kaos attached (HR 9/24/99). Banderas, repped by CAA, most recently starred onscreen in Dimension Films' "Spy Kids." He has wrapped back-to-back roles in Dimension/Columbia Pictures' "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," Miramax Films' "Frida" and the Brian De Palma feature "Femme Fatale," which is fielding offers from several domestic distributors. Banderas next stars in MGM's "Original Sin" opposite Angelina Jolie. Liu, repped by ICM and manager Maryellen Mulcahy, is best known for her role on the Fox series "Ally McBeal" and for the feature film "Charlie's Angels." She next stars in Miramax/Pandora's "Company Man."

Taye Diggs (Ally McBeal) is in talks to co-star with Sanaa Lathan (Love & Basketball) in the FOX SEARCHLIGHT romantic comedy BROWN SUGAR. Diggs would play an A&R rep for a hip-hop label who falls for a magazine editor played by Lathan. Rick Famuyiwa (The Wood) will direct BROWN SUGAR from a script by Mike Elliot.

THINGS YOU CAN TELL JUST BY LOOKING AT HER

This movie is now available for home viewing on DVD & VHS.  The film stars Calista Flockhart, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, Cameron Diaz & Amy Brenneman. The acting is top-notch and the screenwriting is amazing. Pick up your copy today or click one of the following links:

DVD http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005BKZE/allymcbealforeve/

VHS http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005BKZD/allymcbealforeve/

THE AGENCY starring Gil Bellows There is a new mailing list to discuss CBS's upcoming series, The Agency, which goes inside the doors of the Central Intelligence Agency.   The show stars Gil Bellows, and will air this fall at 10 pm on Thursday nights. Produced by Wolfgang Petersen (of "The Perfect Storm" and "Air Force One" fame) and Shaun Cassidy (former Hardy Boy!), the show also stars Andrea Roth, Will Patton, Ronny Cox, Paige Turco, and Rocky Carroll.   Former E.R.star Gloria Rueben has also signed on to guest star on 6 episodes.  Any info and discussion is welcome.

// August 1, 2001 //

THINGS YOU CAN TELL JUST BY LOOKING AT HER This movie is now available for home viewing on DVD & VHS.  The film stars Calista Flockhart, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, Cameron Diaz & Amy Brenneman. The acting is top-notch and the screenwriting is amazing. Pick up your copy today or click one of the following links:

DVD buy it @ amazon

VHS buy it @ amazon

Diane Ladd, Regina King, James LeGros (Mark, Ally McBeal) and Michelle Clunie (``Queer As Folk'') will star with Adam Arkin and Laura Dern in the Showtime TV movie ``Damaged Care,'' set to air on the cabler in 2002. The film follows the journey of a female doctor seduced into the lucrative world of HMOs. JUST FOUR MORE FOR LUCY It looks like four will be Lucy Liu's magic number. The New York Daily News reports Ally McBeal executive producer David E. Kelly has struck a deal with Liu's agents for her to appear as Ling Woo in only four episodes this upcoming season, giving the Charlie's Angels co-star ample time to concentrate on her feature-film career. In a statement released by her spokesman, Liu said, "I am especially grateful to David for giving me this incredible opportunity and for making it possible for me to do the other projects I've been able to do over the past two years." Given her reduced Ally workload, it's likely Liu won't be back at all during the 2002 season.

"Ally McBeal" costar Robert Downey Jr. has agreed to plead no contest to drug charges Monday as part of a plea bargain which ensures he will receive no jail time. Instead, Downey will continue live-in drug treatment, his lawyer told Reuters. The 36-year-old actor, who picked up his first Emmy nomination for "McBeal" last week, will appear in an Indio, Calif. court Monday to face charges related his arrest Nov. 25 for cocaine use. Downey has been living in a residential drug rehabilitation program since a second arrest in April, in which he was found to have been using cocaine. While no charges were made against him, the arrest helped get him dropped from "McBeal." According to attorney James Epstein, Downey's progress has been "excellent" in the treatment program, and the terms of the pleas bargain will have him taking part in it for one year, along with three years probation.

TROUBLED "Ally McBeal" actress Lisa Nicole Carson had another bizarre breakdown in L.A. last week. Carson had to be hauled away after she melted down outside Gaucho Grill on the Sunset Strip, reports the weekly Globe. Witnesses told the tabloid Carson came out babbling, "I have a snake on me! It's biting me! It's in my mouth!" Cops held Carson down for 20 minutes until the ambulance came. In January 2000, Carson's mother had her committed to a psych ward for eight days at Lenox Hill. Carson's rep did not return calls.

// July 28, 2001 //

EMMY NOMINATIONS FOR Ally McBeal


Actress, Comedy Series:
Calista Flockhart, "Ally McBeal," Fox

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comdey Series
Peter MacNicol, "Ally McBeal", FOX

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Bernadette Peters, "Ally McBeal" FOX
Jami Gertz, "Ally McBeal" FOX

Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series
Ally McBeal, FOX

Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series
Ally McBeal, FOX

David E. Kelley's The Practice also got 7 nominations while his other FOX
show Boston Public got 2.  The Fox Network got a total of 40 nominations.
The Emmy Awards air on CBS September 16th.

// July 19, 2001 //

Monday June 18 at 7pm on Lifetime you can tune in for an Intimate Portrait of Calista Flockhart. From her early days on Broadway ("Glass Menagerie") to her success with "Ally McBeal" and subsequent media scrutiny, actress Calista Flockhart chats about her life and career, and how she has managed to stay true to herself.

The aweful truth (E Online)

Oh, the hullabaloo on who is--and isn't--returning to Ally McBeal. Jeez. Why would they on for more? So, you can watch yourself get watered down into some kind of mushy neurotic who gurgles and grunts inexplicably?

Whatever. The show still has some balls, I suppose--including those on James LeGros' g-f (Lisa Edelstein), a sitch I liked in partic.

However, as you may have heard, J.L.G. will not be returning next season. Nor will Lisa Nicole Carson (kinda sorta). And even though Fox tells me Lucy Liu "will be back," her rep says not so fast. "In negotiations," was the the old verbal standby chosen by the flack, who
had bupkus to say about the AM dirt I've heard. Something about the Asian spitfire wanting to concentrate on the big screen.

And what about that boy with the biggie booty Taye Diggs? Further on-set scuttlebutt--forgive me--is that T.D. (boy-toy to various female McBeal attorneys) won't be returning either, due in part to what he considers excessive strip scenes.

Fox claims Taye was never meant to be more than a "recurring character" and wasn't signed for more scenes, skin or otherwise.

However, Diggs's manager, Abe Hoch, claims the producers of the show asked if his client would consider being a "regular character." No go. Client
wants to be movie star, was the reply (even though the proverbial back door has been left open for occasional stints, says Hoch).

As for the epidermis complaint, Diggs' press rep would only say, "Would you have a problem revealing yourself if you had a body like that?

Wrong exhibitionist to ask. Hitch P.S.: Hearing yet more tawk that there were plans for Robert Downey Jr. and Calista Flockhart to wed on the show. In fact, Ally snoopers tell me set construction on the couple's post-wedding house had already begun before R.D.J. deconstructed himself once again. "We are really not commenting on anything involving Robert or the time that we spent with him," said a Fox rep, rather ominously. "Other than that we wish him the best." Me, too.

// July 13, 2001 //

Calista Flockhart to me on the matter of her brand-new instant mommyhood: "I have a baby. I just have no husband. Liam's 6 months so, now, more than anything I want to stay home and take care of him. And I want more children. It's the most precious thing that ever happened to me. I guess it would be nice to have a husband, too, and if you know where I might find the right one, let me know. But, meanwhile, the baby is all I really want."

According to The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, the ensemble indie THE ANARCHIST will be lead by a cast that includes Devon Gummersall (My So-Called Life, Roswell), Gina Phillips (Ally McBeal), and Katherine Towne (Evolution). Dylan Bruno, John Savage, Steve Van Wormer, and Johnny Whitworth also star in the dramedy about a self-proclaimed anarchist (Gummersall) and the like-minded people he lives with

According to Entertianment Tonight actor Greg Germann (Richard) will remain with the show thru the end of season despite reprots to the contrary.

The 17th Annual Television Critics Association (TCA) Awards will take place on Saturday, July 21 at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, California. Ally McBeal is up for one award.

Individual Achievement in Comedy
Bryan Cranston (Malcolm in the Middle)
Robert Downey Jr. (Ally McBeal)
Chris Isaak (The Chris Isaak Show)
Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle)
Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond

// June 5, 2001 //

Lisa Nicole Carson and James LeGros will not return next season on the Fox dramedy “Ally McBeal,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Carson, however, is expected to make guest appearances on the David E. Kelley series next season reprising her role as Ally’s roommate Renee. Regina Hall, who starred in a three-episode arc as Robert Downey Jr.’s associate at the end of last season, will return in the fall along with Josh Hopkins. Still in negotiations with the studio are James Marsden (“X-Men”) for a role as Ally’s love interest, and Julianne Nicholson ("The Love Letter" ) as an attorney.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. has left the drug rehabilitation program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center to return to a program run by a friend of the actor's, reports Reuters.It appears Robert Downey Jr. won't do jail time for drug charges stemming from his Thanksgiving weekend arrest in Palm Springs. The 36-year-old actor has agreed to plead no contest and spend up to a year in drug rehab. He'll enter the plea at a court hearing on July 16 — four days after he's expected to receive an Emmy nomination for his work this season on Ally McBeal.
A state Corrections Department spokeswoman confirmed that following his
arrest in Culver City, Downey checked himself into Cedars Sinai for detoxification and treatment under the care of hospital psychiatrists, including the chairman of the Cedars' psychiatric department, Dr. Peter J. Panzarino.
However, sometime before he was discharged from the hospital 20 days later to enter another private facility, Downey and Cedars' psychiatrists had ``a parting of the ways,'' Corrections spokeswoman Margot Bach told Reuters.
Bach said, ``There was some disagreement about the treatment, and Mr. Downey felt he belonged in this other (program),'' which was run by ``the fellow who was working with Mr. Downey before,'' she said.
The source said that program is far less rigorous than the one Panzarino had outlined for Downey and which the actor initially had agreed to, along with his parole agents and his drug counselor. Among other things, the Cedars plan called for Panzarino, a physician, to direct Downey's ongoing treatment and specifically barred Downey's previous drug counselor from further involvement in his rehabilitation.
Nevertheless, Downey checked into the brand new rehab facility run by his counselor and within days -- with the acquiescence of parole officials -- had withdrawn from the Cedars treatment plan without consulting doctors there, the source said.

// May 30, 2001 //

Ally McBeal finished in 42nd out of 162 shows this past season. It tied The Mole, Primetime Thursday & Malcolm in the Middle with an average rating of 8.0. Ally finished slightly ahead of Third Watch, The X-Files & What About Joan and slightly behind the Simpsons, Three Sisters & The Drew Carey Show.

Robert Downey Jr. (Larry, Ally McBeal) pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of drug possession stemming from his Thanksgiving Weekend arrest. County prosecutors say the two sides are very close to reaching a plea agreement which would keep Downey out of prison. Robert didn't speak in his first appearance since his arrest last month but
he looked fit and tanned. He was dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and tie. Downey's next court appearance will be July 16 and when asked if Downey's current six-month stay in a rehab center could satisfy the requirements of
prosecutors in the plea bargain deputy district attorney Tammy Capone said: "Possibly, yes."

Robert is expect to stay between 6 & 9 months in rehab where he is only
allowed to leave under supervision and is not allowed to work. In other Robert Downey Jr. news he was questioned by police for an hour, 2 days ago in the death of a 20 year old Russian girl and police said he was extremely helpful. Robert who was in jail at the time of the girl's murder is not a suspect but he was with her boyfriend when arrested in April.

Portia de Rossi ("Ally McBeal") and Dean Cain ("Lois & Clark" ) are getting that "Glow." The actors will star in the FOX TV movie "The Glow," which is shooting in Toronto, Canada, and is slated to premiere next season.
"Glow" is a thriller about a young New York-based couple who are financially struggling, when a chance meeting with some elderly benefactors leads to immediate and profound results. Also appearing in the project are Hal Linden, Dina Merrill, Joe Campanella and Grace Zabriskie. De Rossi recently wrapped production on the film "Cletis Tout," starring Tim Allen, Richard Dreyfuss and Christian Slater. She is also set to appear in the romantic comedy "Love Smarts," which begins production later this year in de Rossi's native Australia. Cain will next be seen in "Rat Race," which is set to open in theaters this August.Prosecutors who are heading up the case against Robert Downey Jr.'s for his Palm Springs arrest have reduced one of the charges from a drug possession (for Valium) to a misdemeanor.

Downey does still face several other charges including a felony count of possessing cocaine and an additional misdemeanor for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Portia de Rossi who plays Nelle on Ally McBeal has a new project lined up for the winter which seems to point to her being on the list of those leaving the show.
Portia will be starring in the romantic comedy Love Smarts, which is scheduled to begin shooting in Sydney, Australia at the end of the year. De Rossi will play a naive young magazine journalist who gets recruited by her best friend as a guinea pig in a cynical dating and mating game.
Portia's last Aussie film was 1994's Sirens.

A lot of fans have been asking about the song which was sung at the prom in the Season Finale episode. I have found out the song is called "You're Still You" and it was performed by Josh Groban (who played Malcolm). You can listen to it at http://www.wbr.com

I have found a really cool partner, is called Ally Search and it's a really cool site. Give it a look by clicking the link below:

// May 24, 2001 //

According to the March 18 issue of Entertainment Weekly, James LeGros (Mark Albert) won't be returning to Ally McBeal in the fall. LeGRos is quoted as saying "I know they're going to be making some changes." "This seems like the time to make a parting."
There are already rumors that Lucy Liu (Ling), Greg Germann (Richard) and Taye Diggs (Jackson) will also be gone next season.

Despite the fact drug tests revealed cocaine in his system at the time of arrest, there will be no charges laid against Robert Downey Jr. for his recent Culver City arrest. Downey could have faced at short jail sentence but prosecutors have decided to treat the offence as a parole violation. As a parole violation the incident could see Robert sent to a lockdown drug program or prison.
Although currently in rehab, Downey still faces drug charges from his Palm Springs arrest with the next hearing in that case scheduled for May 24,
2001.

// May 18, 2001 //

COCAINE FOUND IN DOWNEY'S SYSTEM

Although a urine test actor Robert Downey Jr. voluntarily took after being arrested last month revealed traces of cocaine in his system, Culver City Police are still recommending he be charged with a misdemeanor of being under a controlled substance.  However Lt. Dave Tankenson says it is ultimately up to the D.A. office to decide on what charges to file. Downey is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday May 15th to hear what charges he will indeed face. Speaking of Robert, this Monday's Ally episode may have been his last.  The New York Post is reporting that producers have just begun editing the season finale (which airs May 21) and are trying to figure out how to fit the few scenes Downey had already taped into the episode.  A Fox spokeswoman confirmed that the season finale is still very much up in the air. PORTIA & VONDA ON ROBERT At a recent charity benefit in Las Vegas for The Lili Claire Foundation to help children with birth defects, Entertainment Tonight asked Portia de Rossi (Nelle) about Robert Downey Jr.'s latest troubles and she made the following comments: "We got to really care about Robert," "His presence will be missed. He was wonderful on Ally and we really appreciated the time we had with him." While on the press junket to promote the new Ally CD http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005B2VB/allymcbealforeve/

Vonda Shepard of course was asked about Robert.  Here's what she had to say: "When it all happened, when I got the call, I was supposed to do an in-store with Robert here in Los Angeles," says Shepherd, "I had to keep my composure, because I found myself on TV talking about a person I came to be very close with, explaining what happened and why.  A few days later it hit me that Robert was in jail, in rehab, he's off the show, he's, like, falling apart.  I burst out crying one night, alone, in my house; I hadn't realized how much emotion I had been suppressing. It's really heartbreaking." Vonda says during the recording sessions "He showed up on time and did well."  He even contributed his own piano part to "Snakes" when he wasn't happy with what the keyboard player had come up. "Most people that encounter him just fall in love with him. He's an incredible man." The Ally disc entered the Billboard Top 200 albums chart at No. 34 in it's debut week. IMPORTANT ALLY MCBEAL DATES Here's a couple important Ally McBeal dates to watch for: 1. Ally McBeal Season Finale (Monday, May 21, 9 pm/8c). 2. Late Show with David Letterman (CBS)  Monday, May 28: Vonda Shepard

// May 16, 2001 //

Guys...I created an awesome new site about PopStars, featuring Britney Spears, Chris Aguilera & Madonna. It's been online for a week and it's getting awards and nice comments by visitors, which I love. Don't dare to give it a look and let me know if you like it in the Guestbook alright? Thanks :) Click on the banner below

// May 10, 2001 //

- According to recent rumors three current Ally McBeal cast members won't be
around next season. The 3 named in the rumors are Lucy Liu (Ling Woo), Taye Diggs (Jackson Duper) and Greg Germann (Richard Fish). According to a show representative, Taye is only signed for the end of this season and the producers have yet to have negotiations/discussions about next season with the other cast members.

Lucy Liu apparently wants to concentrate on her movie career, Greg Germann is exhausted after starring on Ally since 1997 & doing various side projects during each hiatus. There is also a rumor that Taye Diggs had an argument with producers over the direction of his character.

Rock singer and recent Ally guest star Sting had a little plane trouble recently.

Last Monday at Florence, Italy's airport a Cessna Citation 5 jet carrying Sting, a friend and two pilots skidded off the runway. The plane went off the runway through some safety netting before coming to a stop on a grass field. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Nobody was injured and Sting and his friend drove to his home in nearby Figline Valdarno.

In this month's Biography Magazine they off some tips from celebrities for Survivor Contestants. Greg Germann (Ally's Richard Fish) offered this advice on what personal possessions he'd bring: "My hairpiece, my teeth, my magic ring."

Several other celebrities offer their tips including Rob Lowe, Lisa Ling, Paula Zahn, Jane Leeves, Al Franken, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Alan Alda, John Lithgow, Eric Idle, Ray Romano, Ivana Trump and Jon Stewart. You'll have to buy the magazine to find out what they had to say.

Here's a couple important Ally McBeal dates to watch for:

1. The voice of Lucy Liu can be heard on Futurama (Sunday, May 13, 7pm/6c).
2. Ally McBeal Season Finale (Monday, May 21, 9 pm/8c).

A Charlie's Angels sequel is in the works and could be ready to start filming in the spring 2002 according to producer Leonard Goldberg.

If the writers strike does not happen the script will be ready in four to six weeks with other pre-production elements worked out between now and the shooting date. Once complete the script will be sent to the Angels (Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz & Lucy Liu) for a once over. The Angels then must sit down with Sony and work out a deal if they like what they see.
John August (Go) is writing the script, with Joseph McGinty Nichol is once again set to direct. Leonard Goldberg, Drew Barrymore and Nancy Juvonen will produce the picture. The original film raked in $125 million at the North American box office alone so the Angels are looking for a big pay raise. Check out the Charlie's Angels special

Though he could not appear in court Monday as scheduled due to his stint in rehab, Robert Downey Jr. lawyers were given three more weeks to prepare for the case stemming from his drug arrest last Thanksgiving weekend.
Downey's lawyers filed motions that claim the Valium and cocaine which were found in the hotel room were obtained illegally by the police. His attorney's also asked the court to suppress Downey's statement giving police permission to search the hotel room.
The next hearing in this case scheduled for May 24 and Robert has another court date May 15 for his arrest last week in a Culver City.

// April 25, 2001 //

I have finished the re-design of Ally McBeal Forever, you can visit it now and let me know what you think about it:

Click on the banner to acces the site in a new window:

-- (From People Magazine Online April 24, 2001)

Robert Downey Jr. was arrested in suburban Los Angeles on Tuesday on charges of being under the influence of a controlled substance, police said. Downey, 36, was taken into custody just after midnight Tuesday morning in Culver City and detained for a few hours, according to a police spokesman. The spokesman did not reveal further details about the incident or disclose the name of the substance Downey was accused of taking. The actor was ultimately
released to the custody of his parole agent and ordered to return for a court hearing. The troubled actor, who in January won a Golden Globe for his work on "Ally McBeal," spent a year in a California prison on drug-related charges. Three months after his August 2000 release, he was arrested for drug possession and being under the influence of a controlled substance in Palm Springs, Calif. If convicted on all three counts in the case (felony possession of cocaine, felony possession of the prescription sedative diazepam, also known as Valium, and a misdemeanor count of being under the
influence of a controlled substance), he could be looking at a maximum sentence of four years and eight months in state prison. (Downey's brushes with the law hark back to 1996, when Los Angeles police stopped him for speeding and then found cocaine, heroin and a gun in his car.) In December 2000, Downey's stepmother, Rosemary Rogers Downey, told PEOPLE that the actor was diagnosed with bipolar disorder syndrome and has not received help for it. "It's the reason he has a hard time staying sober," she says. "What hasn't been tried is medication and intensive psychotherapy."

Zap2it, TV news

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Following his second arrest in five months, actor Robert Downey, Jr. is once again headed for rehab.
One day after his lawyers filed motions to suppress evidence in the actor's current legal troubles stemming from a drug arrest last November, Downey was arrested on charges of being "under the influence of a controlled substance," according to a Culver City Police Department press release.
Downey, 36, was stopped on footThursday, April 24 at 12:10 a.m. on the 1200 block on Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA. He
was booked at the Culver City Police Department and issued a citation at the Los Angeles Airport courthouse. He was then released into the care of his his parole officer.
The police spokesperson would not release further details, or identify the substance Downey was accused of taking.
Alan Nierob, Downey's publicist, told Zap2it that the actor "voluntarily checked himself into an undisclosed rehabilitation facility" later in the day.
According to Los Angeles radio station Star 98, Downey, who was scheduled to call into their afternoon show on Monday, was unable to get
away from the "All McBeal" set. There is no word how the recent arrest will affect his recurring role on the FOX series.
The actor has already served a year in jail related to an earlier drug arrest. He is scheduled to appear Monday for the hearing from his November arrest. If convicted, he could serve a maximum sentence of four years and eight months in state prison.

Dyan Cannon (Whipper, Ally McBeal) has joined Christopher Walken, Jerry O'Connell, Anthony Anderson and Estella Warren (Driven) in the ensemble cast of Jerry Bruckheimer's new comedy Down & Under. The Castle Rock
Entertainment picture, will be shooting in Sydney, Australia and follows the misadventures of two friends, from Brooklyn, who are forced to deliver mob money 'Down under'.

Coyote Ugly's David McNally is set to direct the film.

In the May issue of InStyle magazine (Renée Zellweger cover) you'll find a few Ally McBeal tidbits including the following:

1. A photo of Calista Flockhart at the MSG reading of The Vagina Monologues
.2. Calista and Lucy Liu both go to the Murad Spa. You can visit their website at http://www.murad.com .
3. A profile of The Berkeley, a hotel in London, England that Calista has stayed in.
4. A photo of Calista along with the meaning behind her son Liam's name.

If you've ever wanted to meet Vonda Shepard or Robert Downey Jr. in person now is your chance.
Vonda Shepard and Robert Downey Jr. (Larry Paul) will on both be at the Virgin
Mega Store in Hollywood, CA on Tuesday night (7:30 pm) to sign copies of the new album. If you can make it, you better get there early because the crowd is expected to be huge.

It looks as though Calista Flockhart (Ally) will be looking for work this summer. According to TV Guide, The London revival of The Philadelphia Story (which Calista was to star in this summer) has been put on hold indefinitely. A spokesperson for the show sites casting disagreements and Britain's foot-and-mouth scare as the major problems which have held things
up.


Ally McBeal's fourth soundtrack <i>"For Once In My Life" (Featuring Vonda Shepard) is hit stores today

The cover art features a picture of Robert & Vonda and the track list looks
like this:

For Once In My Life- Vonda Shepard
Alone Again (Naturally)- Vonda Shepard
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright- Vonda Shepard
Chances Are- Robert Downey Jr. & Vonda Shepard
Every Breath You Take- Robert Downey Jr. & Sting
You And Me- Vonda Shepard
Snakes- Robert Downey Jr.
Reason To Believe- Vonda Shepard
How Can You Mend A Broken Heart- Vonda Shepard
When The Heartache Is Over- Tina Turner
You're The First, The Last, My Everything- Barry White
Love Is Alive- Anastacia & Vonda Shepard
Can We Still Be Friends- Vonda Shepard
Home Again- Vonda Shepard

This album focuses more on the songs that are at the end of the show where
it's tying the whole plot together rather than the bar songs. Track seven
"Snakes", was written and sung by Robert Downey Jr. & he also plays piano on
it. This is his first ever original composition on an album. I'm sure more
details will be available as the date approaches.

More details on this New Album: New Ally McBeal CD

// April 22, 2001 //

Sting and Robert Downey Jr. wowed the crowd during a performance to help raise funds for the Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles recently.
The Sting concert at Beverly Hills' Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel saw the rock god perform a handful of 1940's songs, before introducing Downey Jr. with the following: "I was in a little bit of legal bother last week. My lawyer got me out of it. I asked what I owed and he said, 'If you let me sing with you tonight, I won't charge you.'" Once on stage, Downey
joked "If I was a lawyer, I'd be my own best client."

The famed pair then sang the Police hit "Every Breath You Take" which got a standing ovation and they finished off the set with a cover of The Beatles' "Penny Lane".

The star studded audience included Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, Natalie Cole, Sylvester Stallone, Kirk Douglas, Trudie Styler (Sting's wife) and Harry Hamlin.

David E. Kelly, like Aaron Spelling always seems to use actors/actresses with whom he has work with in the past. This time it's Golden Globe & Emmy winner Christine Lahti who played Kate Austin on Mr. Kelly's Chicago Hope
from 1995 to 1999.
On May 7th, in what seems to be an endless stream of big name guest-stars on Ally McBeal, Lahti plays Sydney Gale, an agency owner who only hires men and is being sued by a former employee for sexual harassment.
Richard takes the case and ends up losing focus in Ms. Gale's presence so he
turns to John for guidance.

Scotland, PA which debuted at Sundance this year has found a North American distributor. New York based Lot 47 Films has acquired North American rights to writer/director Billy Morrissette's comedy and have plans to release the picture in January, 2002.

The film, which is a takeoff on William Shakespeare's Macbeth stars James LeGros (Mark, Ally McBeal), Maura Tierney, Christopher Walken, Kevin Corrigan, Amy Smart, Timothy Speed Levitch and Andy Dick.

// April 6, 2001 //

- New Ally McBeal soundtrack is about to be released, view the cover and track listing: New Ally McBeal CD

New York gossip columnist Liz Smith recently reported a sightings of Calista Flockhart (Ally) on Oscar Sunday.
Calista was apparently spotted at Morton's annual Vanity Fair Oscar party chatting with actress Faye Dunaway (Bonnie & Clyde). She was over heard asking Ms. Dunaway "So, how would you like to come and direct an episode of 'Ally McBeal?' " Calista posed the question after Faye had revealed that she had just finished directing her first short movie and absolutely loved it.
Calista brought her schoolteacher cousin as her guest and spent a lot of the night chatting with The Practice's Lara Flynn Boyle (Helen). Lara Flynn was also heard encouraging the shy Miss Flockhart to mingle with the other celebs at the party. // View picture //

I created a new website ( in Spanish) about the Oscars 2001, it includes a picture of Calista and her cousin so check it out, even if you don't understand the text the pictures are really good: oscars.arepopular.com

A couple of the New York papers are reporting that Robert Downey Jr. and crooner Sting spent Oscar week recording the classic Police/Sting tune Every performance reportedly earned a standing ovation from the cast and crew.

Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal) is in negotiations to star in a play this summer in London. If the deal (which has been in the works for 9 months) works out, Calista will take on a role once played by the great Katherine Hepburn and Blythe Danner (Gwyneth's mom) among others.
Calista will take on the lead role in the revival of Philip Barry's Broadway classic The Philadelphia Story at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London starting May 21 for reviews and opening to the general public in June.

// March 28, 2001 //

Greg Germann who plays Ally McBeal's Richard Fish has been added to the caston the new feature film Joe Somebody. The Fox 2000 picture will star former Home Improverment star Tim Allen along with Patrick Warburton (The
Dish), Ken Marino (NBC's First Years), Julie Bowen (NBC's Ed), Jim Belushi K-9), Kelly Lynch and Hayden Penattiere (CBS' Guiding Light). Look for the film in theatres in late 2001 or early 2002.

Just in time for the start of the May Sweeps period to determine television ad rates, one of the world's best singer/songwriters Sting checks into Ally McBeal for an episode. David E. Kelley is quoted as saying "With his
combined acting and musical talent, he's the perfect guest star for this
show."
Playing himself on the show Gordon Sumner (a.k.a Sting) finds himself at the center of a lawsuit which alleges that his "emotionally and sexuall suggestive" concert performance broke up the marriage of two audience members.

Calista Flockhart (Ally) who earlier this year signed a deal to star in a play this summer in London will take on a role once played by the great Katherine Hepburn and Blythe Danner (Gwyneth's mom) among others.

Calista will take on the lead role in the The Philadelphia Story at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London starting May 21 for reviews and opening to the general public in June.

In the April Edition of InStyle Magazine you'll find the following on Ally McBeal stars & guest stars:

Photos
1. Calista Flockhart (Ally) in Donna Karan.
2. Jane Krakowski (Elaine) in Michael Kors.
3.Portia de Rossi (Nelle) at Sundance for the premiere of Women in Film.
4. James LeGros (Mark) at Sundance with the cast of Scotland, PA.

// March 21, 2001 //

- LONDON (Variety) - ``The Philadelphia Story'' with Calista Flockhart as the iice-maiden heiress played in the 1940 film by Katharine Hepburn, and Blythe Danner,among others, iis skedded for a May 21 start of previews and a June opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

- Sting will give "Ally McBeal's" resident Greek chorus a run for her microphone when he guest stars as himself April 30, at the start of May sweeps.
In a quintessential "Ally" plot line, Sting finds himself the target of a lawsuit alleging that his "emotionally and sexually suggestive" concert performance broke up the marriage of two audience members. "With his combined acting and musical talent, he's the perfect guest star for this show," says showrunner David E. Kelley.

Past Broadway and pop stars to grace the practically-a-musical comedy include Bernadette Peters, Jennifer Holliday, Chubby Checker and Barry Manilow, as well as "Rent" alumni Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Cruz and Taye Diggs.

-As CNN reported Thursday, Robert Downey Jr. (Ally McBeal's Larry Paul) has refused to accept a plea offer stemming from his Thanksgiving-weekend drug bust.
As promised by the prosecutors, they began the next step in the case Thursday which was asking for a trial. The judge has now set a pretrial hearing for April 30, 2001. The two sides could still settle anytime before
the verdict but it is said that Downey's lawyer's believe they can win at trial.

Downey is being charged with possession of cocaine and a tranquilizer which if convicted could land him in jail for almost five years.

-The 53rd Annual Directors Guild Awards were also handed out over the weekend. Ally McBeal was up for one award and lost out to Will & Grace.

// March 13, 2001 //

-I created a new Calista Flockhart Website at : calistaflockhart.fanpageguide.com

-Robert WON the Screen Actors Guild Award for "Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series", for his performance as Larry Paul in "Ally McBeal". He was also one of the presenters and introduced a special salute to "Actors of 1000 Faces". Robert looked amazing in a white shirt and tie, a blue Versace suit designed especially for him, and white shoes.

Calista Flockhart and Peter MacNicol were also nominated, as well as the whole "Ally McBeal" cast for best comedy series. * For Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series:

Media Player Video of Robert's Acceptance Speech

Media Player Video of Robert's Presentation

// February 20, 2001 //

- Angel Passing, a short film Calista Flockhart (Ally) did in 1998 is now available for viewing online. The 28
minute drama stars acclaimed actor Hume Cronyn and Elaine Tse and is set in New York City.
The short follows Cronyn as an Alzheimer's patient who seeks forgiveness from his lost love. It's world premiere was at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival and has been at several other prestiges film festivals around the world
including Toronto and St. Petersburg, Russia. You can check it out & write a review of Angel Passing Here!

- I have created a new site about the show which is Called ALLY MCBEAL FOREVER, check it out right now:

// Visit ALLY MCBEAL FOREVER //

// January 31, 2001 //

- Deborah Falconer, the wife of Robert Downey Jr. has finally filed for divorce. The pair has been separated for six years. Falconer cited irreconcilable differences as the cause of the break-up and is seeking custody of the couples 7-year-old son, Indio.

-Calista Flockhart has pick out a name for her newly adopt baby boy. She has decided to call him Liam. Liam is the Irish form of William which means "determined guardian".

-According to the Hollywood Reporter Doowney has committed to appear in as many as 11 more episodes beyond the 10 he has already completed.

If you are an Ally fan, this is what you need to enjoy the show to the top!!!!!! Click here for more info & the Join.

// Join ALLY MCBEAL FOREVER e-mail Group //

// January 25, 2001 //

-  Robert Downey Jr. has committed to appear in as many as 11 more episodes of FOX's "Ally McBeal" beyond the 10 segments he has already shot this season, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

FOX program executives declined comment on Downey's arrangement, however sources report that the Golden Globe winner will return to the set next week when production begins on the 13th episode.
Downey's appearance in upcoming episodes depends on the number of scripts in which producer David E. Kelley opts to include Downey's character.

Downey himself told Dick Clark he would be returning to "Ally" at the
Golden Globes on Sunday night.

// January 24, 2001 //

- Robert Downey Jr. got a standing ovation from the celebrity packed crowd Sunday as he won the GoIden Globe for Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie Made for Television. In his acceptance speech Downey Jr. made fun of his legal situation and of course thanked the cast & crew of Ally. He hanked David E. Kelley with a joke saying "I would like to thank David
Kelley for creating such a great character. He said when he was writing it that it was like having a new toy. I will do my best to not get sent back to the factory" and at the end of the speech he said "this one is for us".

- On February 10 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Calista Flockhart will perform two new monologue's written by Eve Ensler as part of the Vagina Monologues. Calista's monologue is about young girls taking charge of their own bodies. Ensler wrote the part exclusively
for Calista.

// January 22, 2001 //

-Last night the Golden Globe Awards were given out. We have to cogratulate Robert Downey JR who got the best male supporting actor in a comedy series. Calista & him appeared together on the red carpet & there are pictures of them in there holding hands.... cute!

// January 13, 2001 //

- Last night Entertainment Tonight announced that The National Enquirer will be running an exclusive story that states Calista Flockhart is now a mother. Calista apparently began the adoption process last year and received her new baby on New Year's Eve. According to the story she has yet to name the baby & is planning a naming party that will include family and friends. While working on Ally McBeal the child will be at the daycare facility that is located on the same lot as the set.

// January 12, 2001 //

- Calista has adopted a baby boy .She was not pregnant. The 36-year-old Ally McBeal star announced Thursday she adopted it. She's now a mummy. Share your opinion, comments about this or simply let us know anything you know about here : the message board.

To read more about this news, click here.

// January 7, 2001 //

- As a fan & expert of Ally McBeal an spanish radio station invited me to join them live ( on the phone) to talk about the show. i'm happy & nervous about it. The thing is that the radio show will be aired by monday the 15th and you can listen to it live on the net here.

// January 4, 2001 //

-Now the polls are opened and you decide who's going to win this year's Tv guide awards. You can vote for Calista as best actress in a comedy series, Lucy or Jane as best supporting actress, Robert, Peter or Greg as best supporting actor...Vote for Ally McBeal & the cast at the Tv Guide Awards

// January 3, 2001 //

- Vote for Larry & Ally as the TV COUPLE OF THE YEAR here

many of this news are taken from ALLY McBEAL NEWSLETTER @ // news 2001 // news 2000 // or news 2002